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What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is the area of study and practice that educates individuals in the methods, theories and techniques required to successfully aid individuals of all ages in developing or relearning motor and cognitive functions. Individuals in this field will work within hospitals, clinics, private offices, or through other medical facilities in order to assist individuals in their rehabilitation. Occupational therapy is a valued area of practice, though it requires extensive study and experience prior to regular employment.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$83,730

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

55.73%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

118,070

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Occupational Therapy Schools

Columbia University in the City of New York (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized as one of the Ivy League members. Columbia offers a wide range of comprehensive academic programs designed to award undergraduate and graduate degrees, including professional degrees. Columbia’s Occupational Therapy programs are considered one of the oldest yet continuously improving and adapting programs for interested students and professionals. These are graduate programs granting master’s degrees as well as doctoral degrees. The Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons also offers a dual degree program in conjunction with the Joseph L. Mailman School of Public Health. This will grant graduates a MS degree in both Occupational Therapy and Public Health. 

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Tufts University (Medford, MA) has a wide range of programs for students to choose from. This private research university fosters active citizenship and public service in all its disciplines. The school embraces internationalism and provides opportunities for study abroad programs. A series of top rated Occupational Therapy programs are offered under the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Students are expected to gain relevant education and clinical reasoning skills before assuming positions in the healthcare industry. Master’s and doctoral programs are offered. Professionals who aim to further their education can take several certification programs. Programs are designed for both part-time and full-time students.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) extends its academic programs across two main campuses and several educational centers located in Southern California. The university’s strong medical-health and science programs are renowned because of its contributions to new discoveries and innovations. USC Mrs. T.H. Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy offers one of the highly recognized occupational therapy programs in the country. The institute has both undergraduate and graduate programs including a postgraduate program and continuing education. It also offers Occupational Science as a minor program. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Boston University (Boston, MA) is a notable private institution that offers quality education. The university is consistently ranking locally and internationally for its academic programs, services, and research activities. BU maintains small class sizes allowing more hands-on and focused learning. The Department of Occupational Therapy houses a long list of highly-recognized academic programs. It grants doctoral and online post-professional degrees on Occupational Therapy. The programs curricula are composed of both coursework and fieldwork. Curricula are designed to be occupation-focused, evidence-based, and client-centered. Graduates of the entry-level Doctor of Occupational Therapy program are eligible to sit on national certification programs. 

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Asheville, NC) is a public university highly regarded for its academic quality, diversity, and international presence. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Degrees in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science are graduate programs in the university. Courses are designed by integrating traditional learning and innovation. The master’s degree program is designed for all interested students and professionals with an undergraduate degree in a field other than occupational therapy. The doctoral program fits for professionals who aim to pursue academic careers in occupational therapy. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

New York University (New York, NY) is a private research university recognized across the country and around the globe. The university is also known for its top notch healthcare professional programs. NYU has undergraduate and graduate programs in occupational therapy. The Department of Occupational Therapy is one of the most highly-rated occupational therapy departments in the United States. Graduate programs are focused on research and advanced clinical skills preparing students to be frontrunners in the industry. 

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) is a public university and one of the flagship research institutions under the State University System of Florida. The university offers its comprehensive academic programs for both undergraduate and graduate studies. The University of Florida aims to provide students with quality education and encourage them to conduct nationally recognized research studies. The university offers an Occupational Therapy degree that is a combined degree program. It is designed for pre-occupational therapy students who are taking a Bachelor of Health Science (BHS) degree. The program includes early courses under the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD). Students who opt for this program are eligible to pursue graduate studies and benefit them with less time before graduation and cost on tuition fee. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

George Washington University (Washington, D.C.) is located near the White House. The proximity provides several opportunities for projects alongside government leaders, science and law professionals, and individuals from other disciplines. GW University has hundreds of programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels. The Department of Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences uses innovative educational techniques in producing well-trained, compassionate health care professionals. Occupational Therapy is a graduate program leading to a doctoral degree. The program is designed to prepare students with skills and knowledge for more advanced roles. 

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Ohio State University-Main Campus (Columbus, OH) is a public university and is considered the largest single-campus university in the United States. The university is the top university in academics and research in the state. It is recognized as one of the Public Ivies of some publications. Ohio State offers undergraduate and graduate programs in occupational therapy. Professionals who aim to pursue further studies have the option to take Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy. It is an entry-level doctorate program that is designed to produce graduates that are with great attitude and relevant skills in the industry. It also provides opportunities for fellowships and dual-degree programs. 

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

University of Washington-Seattle Campus (Seattle, WA) is a premier public research university. It is also the largest college in the northwestern region of the country. UW is also one of the institutions to receive the biggest amounts of federal funding for university-based research. Occupational Therapy major is a graduate program that awards master’s degrees. It is a two-year program that provides students comprehensive coursework and fieldwork experience. The program fosters an interdisciplinary curriculum requiring students to take courses under other health disciplines. UW program graduates are automatically qualified for the Educational Staff Associate (ESA) Certification in the State of Washington. This allows students to take on related roles with no additional training. 

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Baylor University (Waco, TX) is a private research university affiliated to the Baptist church. It awards both undergraduate and graduate degrees including doctoral and professional certificates. Baylor provides flexible and accessible programs. These are designed to allow industry professionals to enhance their skills and broaden their knowledge. Baylor offers a Pre-Occupational Therapy program for students who aim to pursue graduate studies in the discipline. The programs include courses that allow students to be eligible for related master's or doctoral programs.  The university has a Doctor of Occupational Therapy program that combines innovative technologies and hybrid learning approaches to prepare professionals to take on more advanced roles in this particular healthcare discipline. 

Acceptance Rate

45.33

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN) is a recognized public university with an active research program. UMN is considered as a Public Ivy. The university’s Occupational Therapy program is one of the oldest OT programs in the United States. USM OT program grants a doctoral degree that is focused in providing science-driven, evidence-based approach to learning and training professionals. Graduates are eligible to sit down for the National Certification Examination for the Occupational Therapist. Courses are offered through a hybrid educational approach that blends distance and on-campus lectures. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus (Pittsburg, PA) is a public university that offers many undergraduate and graduate degree programs across a wide range of academic disciplines. Pitt has been recognized as one of the best universities in the country for its academic and research programs. Occupational therapy is offered at the graduate level. The Department of Occupational Therapy offers a variety of related programs for interested students and professionals. Some programs are offered online. The university is ranked as one of the Best Graduate Schools according to the U.S. News & World Report. Graduates are trained to adapt to both domestic and international practices. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Stony Brook University (Stony Brook, NY) is a public university known for its academic programs related to medical and health professions. The university was named as one of the “top 100 best national universities” in the country according to U.S. News and World Report. It is popular for its cutting-edge facilities, research activities, and quality education. Occupational Therapy is a master’s degree program. It is a 3-year program that prepares students for the national certification exam for occupational therapists. The program fosters an interdisciplinary curriculum and provides student-centered learning experiences. The program is offered at Stony Brook and Stony Brook at Southampton campuses. 

Acceptance Rate

44.15

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

San Diego State University (San Diego, CA) is a public university and one of the oldest members of the California State University system. It was once an institution focused on teacher training before it became a highly regarded research university today. It offers programs covering almost 200 areas of study for students taking up undergraduate and graduate degrees. Students from the two campuses have the opportunity for study abroad programs across more than 50 countries. San Diego State emphasizes the importance of higher education among younger students. 

Acceptance Rate

34.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

27:1

Saint Louis University (Saint Louis, MO) offers a wide variety of academic programs. It has a Roman Catholic affiliation and it is evident in its history, educational approach, and mission as an institution. The university extends its academic programs to a campus located in Madrid, Spain. SLU offers graduate programs in Occupational Therapy and Occupational Science. It has a five-year academic program that leads to a Master of Occupational Therapy. It is integrated into the undergraduate Occupational Science curriculum. A Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy is also offered by SLU. This is for professionals who aim to assume roles as leaders, educators, and advanced practitioners. 

Acceptance Rate

58.28

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University at Buffalo (Buffalo, NY) is one of the flagship universities under the SUNY system. UB fosters a culture of creativity and resourceful thinking. The institution allows students to choose from a wide range of academic disciplines to learn and explore. The university is also home to innovative inventions, particularly in the health and medical field. The university offers a five-year program for occupational therapy. It grants a bachelor’s degree in occupational science and a master’s degree in occupational therapy. The program curriculum includes both practical and theoretical coursework and training for students. It prepares students for national certification exams and licensure requirements before assuming professional roles. 

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) is a large public university that provides world-class education. The university also has an active research program. TU is the largest higher education institution that provides professional education in the state. Bachelor of Science in Health Professions is recommended for students who want to pursue a graduate studies or a career in occupational therapy. Master’s and doctoral programs are offered for this particular health discipline. A post-graduate certificate is also offered by TU. 

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Rockhurst University (Kansas City, MO) is a private Jesuit university that offers a wide range of academic programs. Interested students can take pre-occupational therapy as an undergraduate program. The university also has comprehensive graduate degrees in Occupational Therapy. A two-year master’s program exposes students to both the theoretical and clinical aspects of the discipline. The doctoral program integrates theory, research, service-learning and clinical experiences, fundamental and advanced skills, and leadership development.

Acceptance Rate

63.67

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Drake University (Des Moines, IA) is a private university that offers a wide range of education opportunities for students. The university offers undergraduate courses and graduate programs on occupational therapy. DU has a professional track that offers a Pre-Occupational Therapy program. Students taking Health Sciences bachelors can pursue an Occupational Therapy doctoral degree program. This accelerated program can save students’ time and money. OTD is also open for professionals who are interested to pursue further OT education. 

Acceptance Rate

67.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Sacred Heart University (Fairfield, CT) is a private Catholic university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. SHU has campuses in Dingle, Ireland and Luxembourg that offer undergraduate programs. The university fosters an interdisciplinary approach in learning. Occupational therapy degree programs curriculum include learning opportunities from other health disciplines. The university offers a MS in Occupational Therapy program and a BA/BS to MS in Occupational Therapy program. Aside from coursework, students have the opportunity for experience fieldwork education and global service learning trips. 

Acceptance Rate

63.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Howard University (Washington, DC) is a private university also recognized as one of the historically black universities (HBCU). It offers more than a hundred academic programs which is distinctively higher than other universities of its type. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs including professional programs.  Howard University focuses on providing quality health and medical education to its students. The Occupational Therapy major is offered at the graduate level leading to a doctoral degree. The program aims to address the health-related needs of Blacks and underserved populations. Students who seek further knowledge and advance skills can take a post-professional OTD degree.

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Quinnipiac University (Hamden, CT) is a private university that grants undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees across nine schools. It extends its academic offerings to three campuses. The university offers entry-level programs in occupational therapy. It has a five-and-a-half year program that leads to a BS in Health Sciences/Master in Occupational Therapy Degree. Students will have an opportunity to participate in supervised learning in community settings. Entry-Level Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy is also available for students who aim to gain a more in-depth understanding of the discipline. Students will learn alongside professionals, doctors, and others while training for this program. 

Acceptance Rate

70.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

University of the Sciences (Philadelphia, PA) is a private university that grants bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. It offers academic programs across a wide range of pharmaceutical and healthcare-related disciplines. The university also offers several programs online. USciences offers three academic programs focused on Occupational Therapy. Accelerated pathway is for freshmen who aim to pursue graduate studies after earning bachelor’s within a shorter time period. The university also has post-baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate master paths for professionals who aim to pursue further studies.  

Acceptance Rate

70.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT) is a public research university. It is also the flagship university under the Utah System of Higher Education. The university offers undergraduate and graduate levels of education. The Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies offers graduate degrees in Occupational Therapy. Students are provided with a curriculum that integrates education, research, and clinical practice. Interested students can pursue a master’s degree or a post-professional doctoral degree. 

Acceptance Rate

62.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

How Do I Become an Occupational Therapist?

To become an occupational therapist in your state of residence, you will first need to locate an accredited college or university offering an occupational therapy degree program. Classroom-based programs and online occupational therapy programs can be found below or by searching with our propriety matching tool here.

Schools must be accredited by the ACOTE or Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education which is recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Earning a masters degree in occupational therapy will take 2-3 years after meeting the prerequisite requirements depending on course curriculum and number of classes taken at a given time. Prerequisites for admission may include the following set of criteria: bachelors degree, minimum GPA threshold, neuroanatomy, kinesiology, statistics, anatomy & physiology, anthropology, and general education courses such as math, philosophy, and English. Specific requirements for each school can be obtained through their admissions office by requesting information below.

By graduating from an ACOTE accredited college or university with a masters degree in occupational therapy or doctorate degree in occupational therapy, you will be eligible to site for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) examination. The typical pass rate for the NBCOT exam is between 80-95% so make sure to ask colleges their average pass rate over the past three years.

Educational Requirements for OT's

Individuals wishing to become practicing occupational therapists must pursue at least a master's degree in occupational therapy and complete a prerequisite number of clinical hours and a licensing examination as determined by a given state. A program in occupational therapy will expose students to a variety of sciences relating to the human body, particularly those regarding function and movement. Students will obtain an in depth knowledge of the human structure, how various joints, limbs, muscles, nerves, and vascular systems work together to allow the body movement, how such elements and systems may be damaged, and what steps may be taken to rehabilitate and restore function to damaged portions of the body. Students will also partake in clinical courses supervised by professionals in order to see and experience first hand the various methods treatments, and practices employed to correct the various ailments covered by occupational therapy.

What Classes are Part of an Occupational Therapist Degree?

Curriculum for each accredited occupational therapist degree program will vary from school to school along with prerequisite requirements. For information about a specific school, visit the schools page below to learn more. A typical set of classes you will find in an occupational therapy program include:

  • Occupational Therapy Practice
  • Mind Body Systems
  • Human Movement
  • Assistive Technology
  • Research Methods in OT
  • OT Fieldwork
  • OT Management & Administration
  • Psychosocial Evaluation
  • OT Intervention for Adults & Children
  • Leadership in OT Systems
  • OT Research
  • Physiology
  • Pathology
  • Kinesiology
  • Neuroscience

Top Occupational Therapy Degrees

Degrees in occupational therapy include online programs, bridge programs, master’s, and doctorate programs from ACOTE accredited colleges and universities.  An outline of each program is listed below to help extend your OT research and school match.

Online Occupational Therapy Degrees

The distance learning or online learning modality is the fastest growing segment within post-secondary institutions.  Online learning can have a number of benefits to students and universities such as convenience, autonomy, and scale while providing a quality educational alternative to classroom-based degree programs.  Online college degree programs have frequently been cited as a more affordable solution to on-site programs but make sure to compare apples to apples when looking at distance learning programs.  Our online college matching portal is an easy way to quickly find college programs by state, degree type, and degree level sorted by school enrollment.

Bridge Programs in Occupational Therapy

A bridge program is a degree program specifically designed to help students upskill from a current degree to a new degree area.  Although not as numerous as nursing bridge programs, the OT bridge programs can be a viable path for students across the country.  Examples of bridge programs to research further include:

  • Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
  • Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) to Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT)
  • Associate Degree to Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Health Studies to Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT)
  • Dual Degree: Bachelor of Science (BS) in Occupational Therapy and Master of Science (MS) in Occupational Therapy
Master Degrees in Occupational Therapy

The MOT or Master Degree in Occupational Therapy is the most popular college degree of OT’s across the country.  In fact, of the nearly 120,000 licensed occupational therapists, over 71% hold a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.  MOT programs will typically include science rich classes through an occupational therapy lens like: kinesiology, gross anatomy, neuroscience, applied research, behavioral health, and rehabilitation.  MOT programs are about 2-years in duration depending on prerequisites and course load.

Doctorate Degrees in Occupational Therapy

A Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) may be required by certain employers from private organizations to state agencies.  The typical program spans 3 years of school work including 8-10 weeks of fieldwork after obtaining a master’s degree in occupational therapy.  The OTD is a full-time, more intensive program than the MOT program requiring students to focus more on research application and a set of clinical rotations.

Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?

Occupational therapists can work in myriad different work settings across the country. Examples of work settings and industries where you may find occupational therapists include: outpatient clinics, research facilities, schools, hospitals, intervention agencies, pediatric clinics, community mental health care facilities, home care, rehabilitation centers, and geriatric care centers.

Popular Job Titles for an Occupational Therapist

Depending on the scope of the job and the employers needs within their organization, an occupational therapist may be called by differing titles. The job titles you may see associated with an occupational therapist may include:

  • Pediatric Occupational Therapist
  • Staff Therapist
  • Registered Occupational Therapist
  • Occupational Therapy Co-Director
  • Staff Occupational Therapist
  • Rehabilitation Supervisor
  • Assistive Technology Trainer
  • Early Intervention Occupational Therapist
  • Industrial Rehabilitation Consultant
  • Occupational Therapist (OT)

Top Job Duties of an Occupational Therapist

In a recent survey completed by the U.S. Department of Labor, occupational therapist around the country provided insight into common job responsibilities associated with being an OT.  The most common 5 job responsibilities of the survey respondents included:

  1. Assess, organize, plan, and manage occupational therapy programs in hospital, institutional, or community health care organizations to help rehabilitate patients due to injury, illness, developmental, and/or psychological issues
  2. Accurately document and maintain necessary medical records
  3. Evaluate the mental & physical abilities of each patient coupled with medical data analysis
  4. Provide education and training to OTA’s and live-in caregivers to help meet a patient’s needs
  5. Closely monitor progress, document changes, gather data, complete reports, and communicate to appropriate stakeholders
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities for an OT

Occupational therapists often work with patients who are suffering from a mental or physical disability or recovering from an accident. Individuals in this field will work with patients to perform various activities, relearn certain functions, and develop motor skills that have been degenerated or lost due to outlying factors. Additionally, occupational therapists are responsible for educating families of patients in order to assist them with how to deal with issues and complications that may arise, and they may provide aid in the recovery and development of the patient. Over the course of treatment therapists will revise plans and therapies to facilitate the rate of recovery as the process will be different for each individual patient.

Occupational therapists can work at:

  • Hospitals
  • Health Care Facilities
  • Schools
  • Private Practices
  • Clinics

States with the Highest Employment of Occupational Therapists

  • California 10,390
  • Texas 9,160
  • New York 8,130
  • Pennsylvania 6,450
  • Florida 6,140

Top Paying States for an Occupational Therapist

  1. Nevada $101,870
  2. Texas $96,800
  3. New Jersey $91,660
  4. Virginia $91,450
  5. Connecticut $89,340

Top Employers of Occupational Therapists

  • Health Practitioners Offices 31,303
  • Medical & Surgical Hospitals 25,930
  • Primary & Secondary Schools 13,420
  • Nursing Care Facilities 12,230
  • Home Health Care 10,760

Job Growth, Salary and Related Therapist Fields

Job growth is expected to increase rapidly over the next decade seeing a 27% acceleration as the services provided by occupational therapists becomes more widespread and accepted and access to healthcare becomes more commonplace, The average salary of an occupational therapist is $81,910 per year. Salaries for occupational therapists will be higher in higher populated areas, with experience and education also playing a part in overall salary.

Those interested in a career in occupational therapy may also wish to consider a career in physical therapy, art therapy, or kinesiotherapy.

Additional Resources for OT's

The American Occupational Therapy Organization (AOTA) is an organization established in 1917 to promote the interests and develop the services provided by occupational therapy. The organization has over 43,000 members, which includes occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and students studying the field. The organization also provides accreditation of programs and examinations for the purposes certification and licensure.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook for Occupational Therapy is an excellent resource for individuals interested in becoming occupational therapists. The handbook includes a variety of useful information regarding career development, including education, work environment and job outlook.

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